You need to know where your kids are at all times, especially if they are under 10 years of age. You can never be too careful when supervising your children. At the park, at the shops, to and from school, and even when at friends or family functions. Make sure they are used to holding your hand, or walking beside you. Too often we see parents walking ahead of their children, in a rush to get to their next destination. It’s alright to be late as long as your kids are safe.

That way, they’ll never be stranded and tempted to walk by themselves, or get in a car with a stranger. And for older children, it will be advisable to get them to memorise the home address as well.

Related: At What Age Is OK To Leave Your Child At Home Alone?

And go much further than this. Strangers might say mum or dad has been injured and has send him or her to pick them up. They might tell other lies. Don’t believe them. Unless mum or dad has told them of an arrangement ahead of time, never believe a change in plans unless told by a trusted person.

Explain to your children who trusted people are. Grandma, grandpa, Aunty Marina, their teacher at school while on school grounds and mum and dad. Make the list small. Never deviate from it.

Read also: The Golden Rules Of Online Etiquette For Kids

Children are more likely to trust a stranger if they know their names.

Whether it’s a sibling or a friend, make sure they stick together at all times.

Teach your child to scream, ask for help and yell “kidnap!” if they ever feel threatened. Hopefully, a clearly-distressed child will prompt strangers to intervene.

It is important your child understands that he or she can leave a situation they don’t like – even if that means refusing to hug and kiss friends or relatives.

For children this young, the world is essentially a safe place. If they are well adjusted, and raised in a loving home, they have no experience of the ‘bad world’.

For very young children try the pram or harness style child leashes. No matter how mature you think your toddler is, keep them with you at all times. It only takes a distraction for them to follow the wrong pair of jeans off in the other direction.

Be able to track your kids at all time with this tiny Bluetooth tracker, called the Tile. It’s the world’s thinnest tracker — as thin as 2 credit cards. It’s easy to stick, slide or tuck into tight spots like wallets, purses, passports, bags, shirt pockets and more. Use the app on the phone to keep track of your Tiles. You can slip this into your child’s bag, pocket, or sew it into his shirt and you will know where he or she is all the time.